Becoming A Christian Athlete: A Graduation Analysis

On a cloudy, chilly Wednesday morning I parked my truck and briskly walked toward the school entrance. The sky was still dark and gloomy, but inside I was filled with joy and excitement. It was a morning of opportunity as it was my first chance to establish myself as the leader I never thought I could be.

An activity I didn’t fully participate in until halfway through my sophomore year, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) has quickly become an organization I keep close to my heart. Once a week, the group of students, teachers and community members gather to discuss one ultimate mission: learning how to apply important Christian morals and values to our own everyday lives, as well as, how to best implement these ideals in those around us.

This morning’s meeting was particularly special, as we were to participate in the global day of prayer, widely known as “See you at the pole!” As students, teachers and others began gathering around the single flagpole just
Someone I was unfamiliar with, one man in particular, thanked me for my commitment and service to all those in attendance. As always, I accepted the compliments humbly, wanting to avoid a boastful or arrogant attitude that might disprove their impressions of me. All in all, I felt accomplished. However, this feeling came not from the number of external praises, but from the confirmation of internal ones. This was the first time in my entire life I truly believed I had done something of importance, worthy of the celebration. I had really earned this one; people were not simply being nice or encouraging, and I had actually made a contribution to a cause that was important to me. That feeling of achievement is better than any other, and as I continue on my lifelong track toward future success, it is a sensation I hope to encounter over and over